Troops Dismantle Arms Syndicate, Arrest Gunrunners in Plateau State

By Nokai Origin

The troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have dismantled a criminal syndicate involved in arms trafficking and apprehended suspects who were finalising a deal for the sale of weapons and ammunition valued at N5 million at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos Town, Bokkos LGA. Of Plateau State.

The sting operation, which was conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, occurred on September 18, 2024, a day after the arrest of 5 notorious gunrunners, in which automatic weapons and about 6,000 rounds of assorted ammunition were confiscated at Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA of the state.

A statement by Military Public Information Officer, Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major Samson Zhakom said 2 notorious gunrunners identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict were apprehended with Two AK-47 Rifles, one Automatic Pistol, Two AK-47 magazines, and one Baretta Pistol Magazine.

The suspects have been taken into custody for interrogation with a view to extracting information in order to arrest other members of the gunrunning syndicate on the run. It is the latest arrest of gunrunners and recovery of arms and ammunition from both Jos North and Bokkos LGAs confirms the assertion that criminality is not defined by any ethno-religious boundary.

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The statement said it has been proven that the proliferation of firearms is a major driver of security threats, and Operation SAFE HAVEN expressed its readiness in conjunction with other security agencies to clamp down on individuals carrying out this illegal act.

The good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna are enjoined to continue furnishing security agencies with credible information about arresting criminal elements to ensure a crime-free environment.

For prompt responses to any security threats, Operation SAFE HAVEN said activated toll free line; 08000020203 remains available 24 hours a day and also for the passage of information assuring promptness of response.